UPDATE: Maddy Zhang, a former Google engineer, has unveiled critical tips for landing a job in Big Tech during a recent episode of the podcast “A Life Engineered.” With competition escalating in the tech job market, Zhang’s insights are essential for job seekers aiming to break into industry giants like Google, Amazon, and Airbnb.
Zhang, who spent over four years at Google before transitioning to Airbnb, emphasized the urgency of applying to job openings within hours of their posting. “If you wait a day, probably there’s going to be hundreds of applicants for it,” she warned. This is crucial advice, as job seekers who respond quickly to employer messages increase their chances of getting hired by 4.1 times and securing an interview by 6.7 times, according to data from Indeed.
Her first tip is clear: be swift. “Applying quickly can help you land a job,” Zhang stated. She highlighted that recruiters often focus on the initial batch of applications and may overlook later submissions. This means acting fast is not just advantageous but necessary.
Next, Zhang advised aspiring candidates to seek referrals from current employees. She noted that her friends who leveraged referrals experienced a significantly higher success rate. However, she cautioned against asking just anyone on LinkedIn for support. “If you don’t actually have a connection with them, it’s not going to help,” she explained.
Preparing for technical interviews is another critical step. Many engineers rely on LeetCode, a platform known for its challenging coding problems. “I know no one really likes it,” Zhang admitted, “but it’s a necessary evil.” She recommended a balanced approach by tackling easy, medium, and hard problems, emphasizing the importance of understanding solutions by retyping and running code rather than merely reading answers.
Zhang also addressed a common misconception: applicants often feel their educational background holds them back. “As you progress forward in your career, your school matters less and less,” she asserted. Many of her colleagues did not attend prestigious computer science programs. This normalization can empower candidates from various educational backgrounds to apply without hesitation.
Despite all preparations, Zhang reminded listeners that landing a job is ultimately a numbers game. She candidly shared her own experiences, revealing she faced hundreds of rejections early in her career. “Rejection is nothing on who you are as a software engineer,” she stated. Understanding that external factors often influence hiring decisions can help candidates maintain resilience in the face of setbacks.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, Zhang’s insights serve as a beacon for job seekers navigating this competitive landscape. With her tips in hand, aspiring engineers can take proactive steps toward securing a coveted role in Big Tech.
For those looking to enter this challenging field, time is of the essence. Start applying today and leverage these game-changing strategies to enhance your chances of success. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to join the ranks of industry leaders.
